An open letter to the residents of Rangitīkei

With a little over a week until nominations close for the 2025 Local Elections, there may be many of you who haven’t given standing as a candidate a second thought. And we wouldn’t blame you either. Being an elected member can be tough, and like any other job (yes, it is a job) it has its ups and downs.

We can’t sugarcoat the fact that there’s negatives to being an elected member. The three most common reasons why people don't stand are;

1. Low remuneration
2. Time commitment
3. Abuse and safety concerns.

Then there’s the scrutiny you’re put under for the decisions you make, the decisions that you don’t make, and the decisions that aren’t yours to make.

If you’re someone who has given thought to standing for these upcoming elections, you’re probably reading the above and thinking “why would I subject myself to any of that?”.

Again, fair. It’s not for everyone.

But if you are still thinking about it, here’s what you need to know...

First things first, the best elected members are selfless. They’re able to park their own interests, pursuits and ideas to the side.

They’re able to connect with a wide range of people from all sorts of different and diverse backgrounds, and they make time to talk to these people on a regular basis.

They have empathy. They know what it’s like to use the services that Council provides to the community, they know what it’s like to pay for these services, and they understand that times are tough and we need to strike a balance between affordability and progress.

They’re big picture thinkers too, they don’t get bogged down in the weeds (that’s what staff are there for). They’re able to look at an issue from a holistic standpoint and come to practical decisions.

They know how to advocate for others, and do it in a way that doesn’t invalidate different opinions and experiences from the discussion.

Therefore, they know how to build relationships that are constructive and achieve outcomes that benefit many people, not just a handful.

Sure, practical skills like business and/or financial acumen are handy to have. But these are learned skills, and you’ll be supported to understand these areas and others when you’re around the Council or Community Board table.

But the main thing is can you be an effective team player, advocating for all residents (not just the ones that agree with your world view), and work constructively to achieve outcomes that benefit the whole community?

Because in the end that’s what it is about. Being there for the community as a whole. And yes, it’s an impossible job to please everyone (and you won’t), so you will have to have broad shoulders at times.

Being an elected member suits people who are comfortable making decisions and standing by them, or being self-aware enough to admit when they make a mistake.

Local government is going through some significant changes which will challenge incoming elected members, but there are also many exciting opportunities.

You'll get to work alongside some amazing people, not just other elected members, but staff too.

You’ll get professional development opportunities, with the support of Council to gain experience and skills that are universal and can be used in other areas of your life.

And, when you see something that you have contributed to come to fruition, it’s incredibly rewarding. So, do you want to be a spectator, or are you bold enough to take a seat at the table?

Don’t delay. Stand now. Our district is waiting for you.